In their final home game at Ford Stadium, the senior class of Southern Methodist University (SMU) delivered a memorable performance, leading the Mustangs to a dominant 38-6 victory over Louisville. This win significantly bolstered SMU’s position in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship chase, showcasing the impact of its senior players.
Wide receiver Jordan Hudson made a remarkable touchdown catch in the second quarter, demonstrating skills that could easily translate to the professional level. Running back TJ Harden also stood out, scoring a touchdown and accumulating 90 rushing yards. The senior trio of RJ Maryland, Matthew Hibner, and Romello Brinson combined for an impressive 137 yards on ten receptions, contributing significantly to the overall offensive effort.
On defense, Ahmaad Moses led the team with eight tackles, six of which were solo, while defensive end Isaiah Smith recorded his eighth sack of the season, just a half sack shy of the program’s all-time record. Head coach Rhett Lashlee emphasized the determination of his players, stating, “They weren’t going to be denied.”
With this victory, the Mustangs find themselves in a strong position, despite the impending departure of seven starters from both the offensive and defensive lines. The team’s ability to rebuild in key areas, such as defensive line, safety, and wide receiver, will be crucial as they move forward. Lashlee expressed his sentiments regarding the senior class, noting, “You get wrapped into what you’re doing… and then all of a sudden, they’re gone.”
As the Mustangs aim for the ACC championship, their journey has not been without challenges. Earlier this season, losses to Baylor and Wake Forest threatened their postseason aspirations. Currently, SMU stands among a select group of teams vying for a spot in the ACC title game scheduled for December 6, 2023. The Mustangs’ path to the championship remains viable if they can secure victories in their remaining games.
The current senior class has seen action in three consecutive seasons where they contested for a conference title. Yet, they are still in pursuit of their first power conference championship in nearly 40 years. Lashlee highlighted the contributions of all players, whether they joined the program recently or have been part of SMU for five years. “They’ve all contributed to what we’re building. It’s always great as a coach for them to go out on a high note,” he remarked.
Despite earlier setbacks, the Mustangs have regained national attention. The team now boasts one of the best quarterbacks in the conference, with expectations for him to progress to the professional ranks. The coaching staff, led by Lashlee, has chosen to remain committed to the program, turning down opportunities in other conferences to cultivate talent at SMU.
The Mustangs’ current trajectory has also been aided by the struggles of traditional ACC powerhouses like Miami, Clemson, and Florida State, which have faced their own challenges this season. The situation has opened a window of opportunity for SMU, who once appeared distant from playoff contention.
Looking ahead, the future remains bright for SMU, even beyond the senior class. The team is set to welcome the 30th ranked recruiting class in the nation, with promising young talents such as Chris Johnson Jr., Derrick McFall, and Yamir Knight. Defensively, key contributors like Alexander Kilgore and Zakye Barker are expected to return, alongside freshman safety Tyren Polley, who has recorded interceptions in his last two games.
“They’ve all been a part of what we’ve been building,” Hudson stated, reflecting on the contributions of his fellow seniors. With their passion and commitment evident in their performance against Louisville, the senior class is determined not to let their season end prematurely. As they look to finish strong, the Mustangs hope they have done enough to secure a chance at a championship run that has eluded them in previous years.
